Installing a cover on 17” full size spare tire $20

[4sambos]

Well after my last truck spare tire was rusted, difficult to lower from underneath I thought I’d look into covering my new 17” full size spare tire. The 17” spare tire cover was $15 off Amazon, a 4 pack of plastic valve stem extensions was $3. So valve Extension is installed, I put a rag around the sharp metal piece of the center hub of spare tire crankup that could puncture cover. Cranked tire up tightly against vehicle frame thus I believe will hold cover on very well.
here is picture of the job.

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[A.Bursell]

I like the idea, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I don't know the exact splash patterns and way things get up thrown under the truck, but if there is any way water, dirt, sand, etc. can get up there, now it will sit inside there building up, rather than at least having a chance of getting out. But I dunno. I like the idea, just not sure...

 

[Montana]

Yea I attempted this on my Tacoma and within 3 months into winter took it off. I sealed it as best as possible and it was still a disaster the first time I checked it.

 

[lajlmt]

I like the idea, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I don't know the exact splash patterns and way things get up thrown under the truck, but if there is any way water, dirt, sand, etc. can get up there, now it will sit inside there building up, rather than at least having a chance of getting out. But I dunno. I like the idea, just not sure...

Any way to make it tighter/form fitting?

 

[NoVaJimmy]

Unless it's completely sealed it's going to probably accelerate any rust issues. Moisture WILL get in and then sit in there. If you live in an area that uses salt for winter weather it will be exponentially worse.

 

[Hardening2753]

Well after my last truck spare tire was rusted, difficult to lower from underneath I thought I’d look into covering my new 17” full size spare tire. The 17” spare tire cover was $15 off Amazon, a 4 pack of plastic valve stem extensions was $3. So valve Extension is installed, I put a rag around the sharp metal piece of the center hub of spare tire crankup that could puncture cover. Cranked tire up tightly against vehicle frame thus I believe will hold cover on very well.
here is picture of the job.

Nice idea. I may do something like this but I'm also going to do a silicone grease or lithium grease on all moving parts

 

[Joofchicago]

Well after my last truck spare tire was rusted, difficult to lower from underneath I thought I’d look into covering my new 17” full size spare tire. The 17” spare tire cover was $15 off Amazon, a 4 pack of plastic valve stem extensions was $3. So valve Extension is installed, I put a rag around the sharp metal piece of the center hub of spare tire crankup that could puncture cover. Cranked tire up tightly against vehicle frame thus I believe will hold cover on very well.
here is picture of the job.

I think addressing the connection area where rust prevents getting to the tire is biggest issue. Might be a good idea to have that area addressed with WD-40 yearly. Last flat tire I had the tow truck guy could not loosen the connection bolt.

 

[4sambos]

I think addressing the connection area where rust prevents getting to the tire is biggest issue. Might be a good idea to have that area addressed with WD-40 yearly. Last flat tire I had the tow truck guy could not loosen the connection bolt.

I didn’t have to loosen the connection bolt at all. If you lower tire all way down w slack in cable, remove the blue plastic piece that has a slit in it for wires. Then all I did was bend the connection bolt parts on an angle through the center of the rim wo even doing anything with the connection bolt. This cover setup is really wrapped around the top of the tire very well. Then cranking it up tightly against frame will hold tire cover onto spare tire. This should be very water tight. I will definitely review this in one year and let you all know how it worked or not? Thanks

 

[Redline]

Shrink wrap it. It works for vegetables

 

[Montana]

Shrink wrap it. It works for vegetables

Me knowing I have a vacuum seal setup...

 

[lajlmt]

I think addressing the connection area where rust prevents getting to the tire is biggest issue. Might be a good idea to have that area addressed with WD-40 yearly. Last flat tire I had the tow truck guy could not loosen the connection bolt.

That happened on my ‘97 Ranger

 

[Bob The Builder]

Drop the spare and dip the steel wheel. That will keep the wheel from rusting. Like others have said you have created a slush, salt and crap trap that even in the short term will make matters worse.

 

[Decayed]

I like the idea, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I don't know the exact splash patterns and way things get up thrown under the truck, but if there is any way water, dirt, sand, etc. can get up there, now it will sit inside there building up, rather than at least having a chance of getting out. But I dunno. I like the idea, just not sure...

Yeah if a cover was a good idea they would try to sell you one. Trapping water in there will wreck everything. At the very least I'd like to see a grommet in the middle for drainage.

 

[Fcnrwy]

I like the idea, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I don't know the exact splash patterns and way things get up thrown under the truck, but if there is any way water, dirt, sand, etc. can get up there, now it will sit inside there building up, rather than at least having a chance of getting out. But I dunno. I like the idea, just not sure...

This was my first thought as well, about debris collection.

Funny thing.. It was because, MY spare tire "wheel" was so rusted and the fact that, Ford no longer carried my Ranger's stock wheels(They stopped making mine in 2011).
That I turned to the Maverick as a replacement..

Jerry

 

[Ozarkbeard]

If I had that problem, I would just move South.

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